32-year Hoboken police veteran Vincent 'Vinny' Lombardi, 77, dies

UNION CITY – Former Hoboken Police Sgt. Vincent "Vinny" Lombardi, 77, passed away on Saturday at his Union City home from complications of lung cancer, according to his obituary.

Lombardi, who served as treasurer of the Hoboken Policemen's Benevolent Association for 17 years, was especially proud of his 32 years of his service as a patrolman, detective and sergeant in the Hoboken Police Department from 1962 to 1994.

His son, Hoboken Police Detective Vincent T. Lombardi, serves as the current president of the Hoboken Policemen's Benevolent Association.

Described by his family as a humble man having “infectious sense of humor” and “spirited personality,” who put family, friends and strangers before himself, Lombardi loved being a police officer, his obituary says.

“He was a humble, non-materialistic man with a heart as big as a house with strong and steady commitment to his family and friends,” his obituary reads. “His genuine goodness and kind and caring soul were evident to all who had the privilege to know him. Words cannot describe how much he will be missed by his family and friends.”

After living in Hoboken, he moved to the Doric Tower in Union City in 2001.

During his service, he received numerous citations for service, bravery and heroism. Lombardi was awarded the high honor of Gold Life Membership in P.B.A. Local 2 of the New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association for dedication to his fellow members.

A co-founder of Hoboken's annual Raga-A-Muffin parade with members of the police department, Lombardi helped organize many charitable and social events for the community and union membership. He was also a long-standing chairman of the Annual Police & Fire Communion Breakfast, and served as president of the Cappiello Social Club in Hoboken. .

Lombardi graduated from A.J. Demarest High School in 1955 and played varsity football and basketball. He then joined the U.S. Army and was stationed both in Main and in Kitzingen, Germany, from 1956 to 1958.

Prior to becoming a police officer, Lombardi worked as a longshoreman on Hoboken's docks and was a member of ILA Local 1198.

Lombardi leaves behind his wife Barbara (nee: Kovacs) of 52 years three sons, retired Hoboken Fire Dept. Captain Richard and wife, Elizabeth; Police Detective Vincent and Louis, and his wife Sandra, and grandchildren, Marc Anthony and Aleah Jenelle. He is also survived by his sister, Beatrice.

Lombardi was predeceased by his parents; Luigi and Rose and his sisters: Ann, Marcella and Rose.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Nov. 29 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Failla Memorial Home on 533 Willow Ave.. The funeral Mass will be offered at 10:15 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 30 at Our Lady of Grace R.C. Church at 400 Willow Ave. in Hoboken. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington.